Tilbury sits within the Thurrock Council area, and the planning environment reflects its dual character as a working port town and a residential community. Large industrial sites being repurposed for residential or mixed-use development sit alongside the established housing around the town centre and across East Tilbury, Chadwell St Mary, and the surrounding villages. Daylight and sunlight assessments come up regularly where new buildings could materially affect existing residential properties or shared amenity space, with overshadowing analysis flagged on the larger schemes.
Our Essex team prepares these reports under RICS regulation from our Wickford office, with BRE 209 (2022) as the working reference. Site attendance across the Thurrock area runs faster than for London-led practices, and we have been delivering daylight and sunlight reports across the East of England since 2004. Where works cross a shared boundary, party wall services sit alongside the daylight piece.
Using the knowledge we have gained throughout our involvement in projects of differing size and complexities, we are able to apply the criteria within the BRE guidelines and produce comprehensive reports to accompany a planning application.
When assessing daylight and sunlight, we work with a professional team to try and achieve the best outcome for a site, whilst respecting the neighbouring properties’ access to daylight and sunlight. We will also provide advice on how the design of potential residential accommodation can ensure access to good levels of daylight and sunlight.
Each Tilbury report starts with the proposed scheme drawings and an initial site appraisal that grounds the analysis in the existing context. A 3D model then captures the development and the affected neighbouring properties, before running against BRE 209 (2022) methodology covering daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing as the scheme requires.
Vertical Sky Component covers light to windows. Annual Probable Sunlight Hours covers sunlight to habitable rooms with relevant orientation. Overshadowing analysis tests amenity space under the 21 March sun position. Sunpath studies sit alongside where seasonal access matters, particularly on the riverside and industrial regeneration plots where orientation matters to the result.
The report sets out methodology, figures, and design rationale where the numbers run below BRE 209 reference values. Typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. A free initial assessment confirms scope before any fee is set. This is a bespoke surveying service shaped to each scheme.
I have worked with CHP for a number of years, obtaining advice from them with regard to daylight and sunlight. They provide exactly what our clients require and work closely with us to resolve any issues, should they arise.
- Andrew Ryley , DLBP
Falling short of BRE 209 reference values does not block consent on its own. The figures are guidance and need to be read against the local context. Thurrock Council will look at existing density, the orientation of neighbouring properties, and whether the design has done what it reasonably can to protect light access on what are often constrained brownfield or regeneration sites in this part of the borough where industrial heritage shapes the planning conversation.
A well-argued report sets out the shortfall, explains the cause, and shows the design steps taken to mitigate it. Reports are turned around in 2 to 3 weeks. The free initial assessment is the way in for borderline cases or for early advice on whether a full study is needed at this stage.
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
020 3714 4090
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2nd Floor, 10 High Street
Wickford, Essex
SS12 9AZ
020 3714 4090
enquiries@chpsurveyors.com
